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The
elimination of the 2019 policy, along with other steps such as
limiting access by temporary workers and vendors to internal
systems, are designed to comply with shifting U.S. and global
labor regulations related to contingent workers, a spokesperson
for Mountain View, California-based Google told Reuters.
"These updates bring us in line with other large companies and
simply clarify that Google is not, and has never been, the
employer of our suppliers’ employees," the spokesperson said.
The announcement comes after the U.S. National Labor Relations
Board in January ruled that Google was a so-called "joint
employer" of workers provided by staffing firm Cognizant
Technology Solutions and must bargain with their union. Google
is appealing that decision.
The board relied in part on the 2019 policy, saying it allowed
Google to exert control over the workers even though it does not
employ them directly.
The labor board has moved to make it more difficult for
companies to avoid bargaining with temporary and contract
workers, including adopting a rule last year that said companies
with indirect control over working conditions can be considered
the employers of contract workers. A federal judge blocked the
rule from taking effect in March.
The Google spokesperson on Friday said the company will continue
to enforce a supplier code of conduct that requires vendors and
staffing firms to provide safe working conditions and meet
existing legal obligations.
Most of the company's suppliers operate in states that mandate a
minimum wage of at least $15, the spokesperson said.
(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by
Louise Heavens)
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